Mold is a colony of microscopic fungi that can appear and grow on virtually any surface. There's probably no one who hasn't encountered mold at some point in their life, but few know how dangerous it can be.
Scientists identify approximately 200,000 species of mold, approximately two dozen of which inhabit our homes, many of which can cause significant harm to the human body. Many illnesses are the result of living near mold or being exposed to it too frequently: fungal skin infections (mycoses), poisoning, rhinitis, bronchitis and lung diseases, liver and gastrointestinal diseases, childhood diathesis, various forms of allergies that can progress to asthma, and even cancer.
Mold fungi contain active enzymes capable of decomposing virtually any organic substance. The surface on which the mold has formed is primarily destroyed. This releases hazardous organic acids, the toxic byproducts of the fungi, into the environment. If mold fungi enter the body, their enzymes destroy cell membranes, exposing them to viruses and bacteria, and disrupt metabolism, causing poisoning and illness.
How does mold enter the body? The most direct route is through the mouth, nose, and skin. This means consuming moldy foods, inhaling contaminated air, and direct contact with mold. Unfortunately, even in a relatively clean room, one cubic meter of air can contain up to 500 spores, which settle on the surface of objects and germinate under favorable conditions (poor ventilation, high humidity, and temperatures above 20°C). There are also mold species that can thrive in low temperatures and humidity.
Where does mold appear? A favorite place is, for example, the bathroom. Mold can also settle on wood and leather items, paper, walls and ceilings, fabrics, potted houseplants, and food. Mold multiplies at an incredible rate, invading nearby surfaces—in a small area, the number of fungi, actively producing new spores, quickly reaches several billion.
How can you protect yourself from mold?
Under no circumstances should you eat moldy foods! It may seem at first glance that if you cut a moldy spot off a loaf of bread, it's safe to eat. This isn't true; the loaf is completely moldy—the mycelium has grown deep inside, and spores have already covered the surface. Even if you can't see any mold spots on the bread, but it smells like mold, you shouldn't eat it.
It's not uncommon for even hard cheese to become covered in mold spots in the refrigerator—even under these conditions, mold spores manage to germinate! And, surprisingly, some researchers believe that such cheese can be eaten after being cooked (for pizza, etc.) or after a thick layer (up to 1 cm) of the affected surface has been trimmed off. Let's not argue with the scientists; it's better to buy cheese in small portions and eat it fresh, without waiting for mold to appear.
For reference : There are gourmet varieties of blue cheese, where mold is grown artificially and in sterile conditions, using more or less harmless types of mold. Such cheese and cheese that has molded in the refrigerator are two very different things. Incidentally, people with allergies or asthma are highly advised not to eat this delicacy.
Never spare jam with even a speck of mold on the surface, and don't think you can boil it again and disinfect it. This is a misconception. Throw it away; your health is more important! Microscopic fungi and their spores are present inside the affected product in even greater numbers than on the surface. Heat treatment destroys only some of the fungi, and the toxic byproducts of their activity (scientists have identified about 100 species!) are stable low-molecular compounds that are not destroyed by boiling.
The same rule applies to berries, fruits, and vegetables. If there are moldy berries in a container, it's best to throw them all out; the spores have already been released, and you could easily become poisoned. If there are moldy spots or rotten areas on fruits or vegetables, the same applies: throw them in the trash without regret. No compromises!
Of course, a small piece of moldy food won't be fatal, but it will cause harm by disrupting the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and liver and forcing the body to fight toxins again.
Of course, not everything is hopeless in this battle; nature has thoughtfully provided humans with a natural defense against mold. This defense is the beneficial microflora that inhabits our bodies—on the skin, on the mucous membranes, and within the body. But if its balance is disrupted and the immune system is weakened, the consequences will sooner or later become apparent. Therefore, much depends on personal immunity, on the one hand, and on the number and type of mold in the room, on the other.
So how can we prevent mold from appearing and how can we combat it if it does? We know the conditions that favor this unwanted presence, so our task is to make them less favorable.
Ensure good ventilation in the bathroom, air it out frequently, especially after bathing or showering, and treat hard-to-reach tiles with special household chemicals. Pay special attention to ventilation in the bathroom if it contains centralized hot and cold water pipes, as condensation often forms on them, contributing to dampness.
When cooking in the kitchen, close the door, turn on the range hood, or, if you don't have one, open a window. This will prevent fumes from spreading into other rooms, which can increase humidity. Ventilate living rooms regularly in dry weather.
Furniture in rooms should not be placed close to walls, especially exterior ones. When there's minimal clearance between the wall and the furniture, condensation is more likely to form due to poor ventilation.
Dry washed clothes thoroughly before storing them in the closet, otherwise mold will thrive on warm shelves. Place washed dishes in the dryer or dry them thoroughly to prevent dampness in your kitchen cabinets.
Mold thrives in temperatures above 40°C (104°F). This should be used in the fight against mold. Areas where mold is found should be cleaned with a damp sponge and then treated with a hot (40–60°C) 4% baking soda solution. For preventative purposes, it's generally helpful to periodically treat cupboards, kitchen cabinets, bread bins, and refrigerators with a hot baking soda solution, then wipe them with vinegar and air them out.
If mold appears on wooden furniture despite following all preventative measures, it means it was made from wood that wasn't treated with a preservative or was initially contaminated with mold. Such furniture will have to be discarded; mold cannot be removed, but it can easily become a source of fungal spores.
If mold stains have appeared on the ceiling or walls, carefully remove the fungal colonies along with the old plaster and apply a special mold-fighting agent, observing the precautions provided. Then, carry out the necessary repairs using antifungal agents (either separately or as part of the building materials).
Mold is an insidious guest in the home, but its appearance can be prevented. If you thoroughly dry out the premises and prevent dampness, mold will not grow. It will not thrive in a clean, dry, well-heated, and ventilated apartment.